23 one-pot favorites for when life’s too busy for complicated meals

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Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just the chaos of everyday life, we’ve got you covered with 23 game-changing one-pot meals. These dishes are not just about convenience; they’re packed with flavor, comfort, and a whole lot of love.

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into a Tex-Mex extravaganza with this one-pot meal! It brings together the zesty flavors of tacos and the comfort of rice. Minimal dishes, maximum taste—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Skillet Pizza

Two slices of cast iron skillet pizza on a white plate.
Skillet Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who needs delivery? With this skillet pizza, you’ve got a crispy crust and melty cheese all in one pan. It’s a pizza party in your kitchen, minus the stack of pizza boxes.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Pizza

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cold days, meet your match. This soup is the ultimate comfort food. Ham and potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection—satisfying, hearty, and oh-so simple to make. Let the crock pot do all the work!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Instant Pot Jambalaya

Top view of Instant Pot jambalaya in a white bowl with shrimp and sausage.
Instant Pot Jambalaya. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready to spice up your weeknight dinners with this one-pot wonder! It’s packed with bold flavors, easy to whip up and makes cleaning a breeze. Perfect for those busy nights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jambalaya

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into this cozy soup that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth. A one-pot meal that warms the soul and leaves you satisfied, without a kitchen full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Dirty rice with ground beef in a bowl topped with green onions.
Instant Pot Dirty Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation! This Instant Pot Dirty Rice is a breeze to whip up and, even better, it all cooks in one pot for easy clean-up. It’s the perfect hearty, fulfilling meal for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Colcannon Soup

Colcannon Soup in a green bowl with a spoon.
Colcannon Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Traditional Irish comfort, all in one pot! A delightful mash-up of potatoes, cabbage, and creamy broth—this soup is perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon Soup

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who needs takeout? This one-pot ramen is a game changer. Rich, flavorful broth, noodles, and your favorite toppings, slow-cooked to perfection. Say goodbye to those instant noodles and hello to authentic taste without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who says quick meals can’t be hearty and nourishing? This easy-peasy Instant Pot recipe is a godsend for those busy days, loaded with veggies, beans and pasta to keep you fueled. Just dump in the ingredients, press a button, and voila – a comforting, nutritious meal is ready in no time!
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Pork Medallions with Apples

Pork chops with apples and onions in a skillet.
Pork Medallions with Apples. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into a sweet and savory treat! Juicy pork medallions paired with caramelized apples and cabbage—all in one skillet. A delightful combo that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour.
Get the Recipe: Pork Medallions with Apples

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Two bowls of instant pot vegetable soup in front of the pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No time? No problem! This veggie-packed soup is a quick and healthful one-pot solution for those busy weeknights. It’s all about convenience without sacrificing flavor or nutrition here!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Street corn soup with potatoes, corn and red pepper in the crock pot with a spoon on the side.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the vibrant flavors of a Mexican street fair right to your table! With this one-pot soup, you get the zesty taste of elote in a comforting, slurp-worthy format. Simple to make, tough to share.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Skillet Pork Chops with Stuffing

Pork chops in a skillet with vegetables on a plate.
Skillet Pork Chops with Stuffing. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This one’s for all the comfort food lovers out there! Juicy pork chops nestled in savory stuffing—talk about a dynamic duo. A one-skillet solution to satisfy those hearty meal cravings.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Pork Chops with Stuffing

Chicken Stew with Squash

An Instant Pot recipe featuring a spoonful of chicken and squash soup.
Chicken Stew with Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up a healthy, hearty meal even on your busiest nights with this easy one-pot wonder! Nutritious chicken and squash fuse together in your Instant Pot, saving you time and cleanup. It’s the perfect flavorful stew to refuel after a long day!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Squash

Guinness Beef Stew

Top view of a bowl of Guinness beef stew with a black checked napkin and a spoon.
Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Here’s a robust, belly-warming stew that’s bound to become a favorite! Tender beef chunks simmered in rich Guinness beer, all in one pot. It’s a comforting classic with a boozy twist.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Pineapple Chili

Top view of a bowl of pineapple chili.
Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready to add some zing to your weeknight dinners with this one-pot wonder! This dish combines the robust flavors of chili with a sweet twist of pineapple, cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s a perfect choice for those busy nights when you need a quick, nutritious, and mouth-watering meal.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Chili

Chicken and Pea Risotto

Image shows Chicken and pea risotto on a spoon with more in a green bowl behind it.
Chicken and Pea Risotto. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a quick and flavorful twist on chicken and pea risotto, a comforting dish made with ease in just one pot. This cheater recipe incorporates tender rotisserie chicken and peas into a creamy risotto-style dish, without the extensive stirring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto

Bloody Mary Shrimp

plate of bloody mary shrimp on peach tiles with a baguette.
Bloody Mary Shrimp. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This one pot Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe takes the flavors from your favorite cocktail and turns it into a delicious weeknight dinner! With ripe cherry tomatoes, spicy horseradish, and plump shrimp, this is an easy, flavorful meal that will impress.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is like a grownup version of hamburger helper and a much healthier option than that boxed stuff. Filled with spinach, peppers, real cheddar cheese, on the table in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro lime chicken and rice. Juicy chicken, tender rice, and a spicy cream sauce. A quick, one pot meal, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Made entirely in your Instant Pot, this easy meal has a thick, rich, and smoky gravy that transforms humble chicken thighs into a delish dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut on a cast iron plate.
Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that marries the rich flavors of roasted bratwurst and tangy sauerkraut. Let the cast iron skillet do the magic as it transforms this humble combination into a savory masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This turkey chili is sweet, savory, and spicy. Seasoned to perfection, this dish is hearty, warming, and a perfect addition to your weekly meal prep menu. This one-pot dish can be whipped together in just over 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

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